BENGALURU: A social media update by the Bengaluru city police, asking to identify an unknown person, helped unite him with his family members after 25 years. Interestingly, the man who identified him, had got his first pant stitched by him almost 28 years ago.
Y Jayarama Bhat, who was found unconscious in Hanumantha Nagar police limits, was admitted to a private hospital. The only lead to identify Jayarama was his PAN card that was found in his pocket. The next thing police did was to share an image of Jayarama’s PAN card on social media. The post was shared by many.
Ganesh Kambar, a software professional in the city, who received this message on WhatsApp, vaguely identified him and thought of giving it a try.
“I approached Hanumantha Nagar police station with my friend Keshava Bhat. Police took us to the hospital where Jayarama was admitted. There, I could confirm his identity. I later informed his younger brother Chandrashekara Bhat, who stays in our village.”
Asked about how he remembers Jayarama even after 28 years, 45-year-old Ganesh had an interesting story to narrate. Ganesh said, “Back then, Y Jayarama Bhat was the only tailor in Bulleri Katte village in Kasargod taluk, my hometown. I had just passed my 10th standard and till then, I used to wear only shorts. When I joined PUC, I was allowed to wear pants. So, I got my first pant stitched from Jayarama Bhat. That stayed in my memory. I also knew his father Janardhana Bhat.”
“Jayarama Bhat is probably seven years older to me and was newly married when he went missing from the village. He was around 23 years then. They searched for him for a few days and gave up. His father and elder brother have passed away. His younger brother Chandrashekara Bhat was the only contact I had. Soon after I recognised Jayarama, I informed him. He said that he will be arriving in city early on Saturday,” he said.
“I am living in this city for the last 15 years and he never crossed my mind. This was totally unexpected,” he added.
Ganesh’s friend Keshava Bhat, who accompanied him to the police station, said, “Though we were skeptical about his identity, we decided to give it a try. The rest is unbelievable.”
Speaking to Express, Hanumantha Nagar police station inspector Dilip Kumar K H said, “Around 4.30 pm on Thursday, we received a call saying a person has fallen unconscious on 50-feet road. We admitted him to RVM hospital in Bannerghatta. We only had his PAN card as a lead to identify. We uploaded it on social media. On Friday, two people came and identified Jayarama Bhat.”